Proposals to force a post-Brexit cut in low-skilled migrants have been revealed in leaked Government papers

The 82-page Home Office document, obtained by The Guardian, suggests that new immigration arrangements would be introduced immediately at the point the UK finally leaves the EU at the end of a transition period lasting at least two years.

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Departure from the EU will mean “the end of rights-based, unconditional free movement”, with the Government adopting powers to take “a more selective approach” to which migrants will be allowed to work and settle in the UK.

“The Government will take a view on the economic and social needs of the country as regards EU migration, rather than leaving this decision entirely to those wishing to come here and employers,” it states.

Brexit negotiations have stalled

This could involve requiring EU nationals to seek permission before taking up a job, making employers recruit locally first or restrict access to lower-skilled occupations which are not experiencing staffing shortages, the document suggests.

The Guardian quoted the document as saying: “Put plainly, this means that, to be considered valuable to the country as a whole, immigration should benefit not just the migrants themselves but also make existing residents better off.”

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It is understood that the document – marked “Official Sensitive” – is a draft version of an upcoming White Paper which has been circulated among senior officials and politicians but has not been agreed by ministers.

Here are some of its key points:

Work

The most eye-catching proposals in the draft blueprint are new curbs on EU migrant labour, in particular those coming to take up low-skilled jobs.

The document, which makes clear that the rules are not yet decided, floats the idea of restricting access to occupations that do not have a shortage of employees.

It suggests the number of EU citizens able to come to the UK for low-skilled work could be limited by a salary threshold, an assessment of the skill level of the occupation, or a direct cap on numbers.

Immigration was a key issue during the EU referendum (Image: Steve Parsons/PA Wire)

A scheme for temporary or seasonal workers could be introduced, while employers may need to complete an “economic needs test” to check whether suitable recruits can be found locally before hiring an EU migrant.

Those in highly skilled roles who have a contract of more than 12 months could be given a residence permit lasting three to five years, with two years for other occupations.

The bulk of any new restrictions would not fully take effect until after an implementation period of at least two years.

Family

The paper sets out possible new rules for family members of EU citizens. These could be modelled on a current regime which says UK citizens, or non-EU nationals, who wish to be joined by non-European dependants have to earn at least £18,600 a year.

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Study

The draft emphasises that the Government “welcomes and encourages” EU students and does not wish to restrict their access “per se”, but it adds some restrictions may be necessary.

Visits

EU citizens coming as tourists, on short-term business trips or visits to friends and family would be able to enter the UK without needing permission.

Borders

The paper says the starting point will be that permission to enter the UK will be conferred automatically for EU nationals. It is envisaged they would have to show a passport rather than an ID card, while a new electronic pre-clearance system could be introduced.

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Registration

EU citizens coming to the UK during the post-Brexit implementation period would be able to work or study for the first few months without prior permission from the Home Office. Those staying longer would need to register for a residence permit by showing proof of employment, study or self-sufficiency. Applicants’ fingerprints could also be taken.

Settlement

The paper sets out an intention to provide a route to settle in the UK for those coming to work in highly skilled occupations and their dependants. This could be granted after five years’ continuous residence. Views will be sought on the settlement rights for other EU citizens.